Filter Content
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
On Monday we celebrated our School Feast Day - The Feast of all Benedictine Saints. This feast day was chosen following a process of discernment by the community on the charism of the school. Monday was the first time that we were able to celebrate this Feast Day.
The story of our school rests on the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable underpins who we are as a community and how we live our lives each day. I share with you the parable this week and invite you to reflect on what words or phrases speak to you.
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’
He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
(Luke 10:25-37)
Take with you that word or phrase into the week ahead,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Thank You!
- To our committed P&F who supported our school Feast Day. The children had a wonderful day - one which they will remember for many years.
- To our P&F garden team for their work in the vegetable garden making it ready for its next harvest! This work is very much appreciated.
As this term progresses the children will become excited about the approaching Christmas season. It is very important that the children remain focused and settled throughout Term 4. When the children begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes and the like to school too early they tend to ‘tune out’. It is for this reason, and the fact that waiting is a part of our Catholic Christian tradition with the season of Advent, that the children may begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes etc for their classmates from the end of Week 9 – Friday 8 December.
Please begin to speak to your children about appreciating the card, gift or candy cane that they receive no matter who it is from and that when they give something they shouldn’t always expect something in return.
Taking time to T.H.I.N.K
As we approach the end of the year students can become tired and may show signs of frustration with their peers more quickly than what they have in the past. This can result in words being said in anger, annoyance or disappointment. It is really important that we encourage the children to take some time to T.H.I.N.K because their words have power. This acronym is explained below:
True: Is what I am going to say true? Are my words true?
Helpful: Is what I am going to say helpful? Are my words helpful?
Inspiring: Is what I am going to say inspiring to others? Are my words inspiring and positive?
Necessary: Do I need to say these words? Do my thoughts always need to be words?
Kind: Are my words kind? How do my words affect the thoughts, actions and feelings of others?
What do I need to know about Semester Two reports?
Semester Two reports will be sent to parents on Wednesday 6 December. Reports are written in line with the requirements of the NSW K-10 syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science. Grades are awarded to students following the Common Grade Scale.
It is a requirement of national legislation for Primary schools to provide twice-yearly written reports for students in Years 1 - 6 to parents. These reports are to be standards-referenced which in NSW means reporting based on the Common Grade Scale. Standards-referenced reporting requires teachers to consider the performance of each student according to the standard detailed at each level (A-E) of the Common Grade Scale for each Key Learning Area (KLA). Students are then awarded a grade based on the evidence teachers have of their learning in that particular KLA and the standard it reflects. According to the Common Grade Scale a ‘C’ grade is considered sound. That is, if awarded a C in a particular KLA the student has demonstrated that they have gained the knowledge, skills and understanding expected of them at that point in time.
Some features of the report include:
Overall grades
Each KLA has an overall grade that is determined by the teacher by considering the evidence of each student’s learning and the standard on the Common Grade Scale it reflects. Overall grades are not determined by averaging performance on strands within a KLA. In many cases more time has been dedicated to learning in one strand over others and this contributes significantly to the balanced judgement a teacher is required to make in order to award an overall grade. It is not unusual for a student’s overall grade to change from one reporting period to the next as the knowledge, skills and understanding they encounter in each KLA will vary from one reporting period to the next. The Common Grade Scale is outlined below and is also included on the front of the report.
Common Grade Scale:
|
A |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
|
B |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations. |
|
C |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
D |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
E |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
Effort Descriptors:
This section of the report captures the student’s attitude to the particular KLA and their skills in managing their work, persisting when challenged and working to their potential. A scale explaining the three standards used to describe student effort is included on the front of the report.
Strands:
The term ‘strands’ refers to the breakdown of learning within each Key Learning Area (KLA) that is presented in a grid with the options Extensive, Thorough, Sound, Limited and Basic for teachers to indicate the performance of the student within each strand. Over a reporting period some strands will have a greater focus than others, which will impact the overall grade for the KLA. In some KLAs not every strand will be covered each reporting period; those that are not covered will not appear on the report.
Comments:
There are three kinds of comments on the report:
Learning Gains – These comments use syllabus text to capture the new learning the student has demonstrated in the reporting period
Areas for Growth – These comments use syllabus text to capture the new learning the student will encounter as the ‘next step’ or ‘targeted area for growth’ on their learning path
Final Comment – The longer, final comment is written by the teacher and may cover a range of academic and non-academic areas
Positive Behaviours for Learning Descriptors: This section of the report focuses on the student as a community member and as a learner. A scale is included to detail the three standards that are used to report on this aspect of the student’s behaviour.
Absences for the Semester:
This section of the report indicates the whole and partial days absent throughout the semester as recorded in the class rolls. Regular and consistent attendance at school increases the likelihood of academic and social success for children each year.
On 29th November the 12.10pm Cathedral Mass will be offered for those who are suffering the effects of serious illness or the infirmity of old age. Anyone in such need is very welcome to receive the Anointing of the Sick. The Anointing of the Sick is attested by Saint James: “Is
anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14-15). All parishioners are very welcome to attend the Mass of Anointing. It is a wonderful opportunity for the sick and
elderly to receive the Anointing, but it is also a great opportunity for everyone to show support for those who are ill and suffering.
ADVENT RECONCILIATION TIMES AT LUMEN CHRISTI
Mater Dolorosa Church
Sunday 10th December after the 10am Mass
St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
Tuesday 12th December after the 9.30am Mass
St Brigid’s Church
Thursday 14th December after the 9.30am Mass
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
Friday 15th December 11am –12pm (2nd Rite)
Friday 15th December 6pm – 7pm
Every Saturday 11am – 12pm
Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Hamper Donations
As a school community, we will be collecting non-perishable food items from the list below. Donations are due by Friday 17 November (Week 6)
Christmas Mufti Friday 24 November
Students and teachers are encouraged to come to school dressed in your green, white and red Christmas clothes. Students will be asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This money will be used to add to hampers or buy small gifts such as soft toys, books, or beach towels.
Christmas Cards of Hope Lunchtime Club
Each Tuesday in Weeks 4-8 students are invited to join the Mini Vinnies team in the STEM ROOM to make Christmas Cards that will be added into the hampers. Students are to bring their pencil cases with scissors and glue.
There is lots to look forward to at this time of year and Miss Rae, Mrs Apolloni and The Mini Vinnies team thank you for your support.
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS:
General enquiries
Lumen Christi Catholic Parish, Wollongong
Diocese of Wollongong
PO Box 874 (36 Harbour Street)
Wollongong NSW 2500 Australia
Ph: (02) 42 110500
Email: wollongong@dow.org.au
Office hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am–1:00pm)
2024 School Fees:
We have been advised of the following regarding School Fees for 2024. There has been a slight increase in fees for the upcoming school year. The following is billed to parents per family.
School Fees are generally due 30 days after invoicing, however, families are provided with flexibility to meet their commitments. To facilitate this flexibility families must complete a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment Form to advise the school of their intended payment option. Once you have completed the Installment form the instalments will show on your fee statements with the amount to be paid each instalment and the date by which it is due. The instalment amount will be calculated so all fees are paid in one school calendar year with an end date the first week in December.
|
Primary School Fees Diocese of Wollongong |
|||
|
Tuition Fees K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
$1843.00 |
||
|
SEDSO Levy K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
1245.00 |
||
|
GSFM School Resource Fee K-6 (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$215.00 |
||
|
GSFM Carnivals (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$26.00 |
||
At Good Samaritan, excursions are billed at the time of the event.
Year 6 2 single day School Camp and annual activities are also included within the school fee structure.
The Canteen will be open Wednesday,Thursday and Friday
CASH ONLY
What an amazing week of sport at Good Samaritan!
CEDoW Sports Awards
The Diocese of Wollongong Sports Awards were held on Friday at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Wollongong. It has been a great year for healthy competition, teamwork and sportsmanship. A year of tremendous adventures and fond memories.
Congratulations to the following students for earning the Primary Sports Council Medallion.
Sophie B - represented the diocese in Athletics, Cross Country and Basketball.
Milla E - represented the diocese in Athletics and Cross Country.
Edward P - represented the diocese in Athletics and Cross Country.
Nash T - represented the diocese in football (soccer) and AFL.
Congratulations to Callum C. for receiving the Primary Sports Council Red Award for representing the diocese and then being selected for the Mackillop teams for Athletics and Cross Country.
Each of these students have represented Good Samaritan with pride, displaying exemplary skill and ability in their chosen sports. Congratulations! We are very proud of your achievements.
Dragon Tag
On Thursday the 9th November, 92 students, playing in 10 teams attended Reed Park in Dapto to participate in the Dragon Tag Gala Day organised by the NRL. It was a very warm and humid day but fortunately, the storm held off until just after the conclusion of the day.
The day was a wonderful opportunity for experienced and not so experienced students to play Dragon Tag (which is similar to OzTag). Each team played a minimum of three games and there was also a disco between some of the games. Scores were not kept as it was a day of fun, learning new skills, meeting new people and supporting our team mates.
All students represented themselves and Good Samaritan proudly. A huge thank you to all of the parents who assisted as coaches of the teams on the day. Without your support participation on these days is not possible. Thank you!!
News from Kindergarten
It has been a busy start to the term for Kindergarten. We celebrated our inaugural St Benedict’s Feast day on Monday. The children enjoyed learning about St Benedict and having lots of fun participating in the activities run by their Year Six Buddies.
In English, we have been reading the Mr Chicken books by Leigh Hobbs. The children have enjoyed taking in the sights of Rome, Paris and London. They have also been practicing their independent writing about the Mr Chicken books.
In Religion, the children have learnt about the story of Noah’s Ark. We have enjoyed retelling the story and creating visual representations of the animals and rainbow.
Over the last two Fridays, the children have participated in Science and Geography workshops sharing their knowledge and skills as we discovered the different properties of materials and unique places people live around the world, discussing how they are similar and different from our own.
We are looking forward to a visit from some of our parents who represent people in our community who help us like firefighters, police and paramedics.
We are proud of the way in which the children have grown and are showing us that they are certainly excited and ready for Year One.
Our PB4L fortnightly focus for week 7 & 8 is demonstrating respect towards others. This aligns to the Benedictine value of Love of Christ and Neighbour.
What does this mean?
Love of Christ and Neighbour: We will encourage students to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, sacraments, and reflection. Students will be taught to demonstrate love, kindness, and compassion towards others, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
What can students do?
- Students can show kindness to one another by sharing a smile with someone in the playground, classroom, saying good morning to teachers and friends in the morning and good afternoon when leaving, using only kind words with friends and including others in games.
- Students can be upstanders when they hear unkind words or see unkind actions on the playground. This means speaking up and getting help.
What can teachers do?
- Teachers can be handing out tokens to students who are showing kindness to others on the playground.
- Teachers can also be talking to students in class to remind them about what kindness looks like and sounds like.
- Model kind words when speaking with students, teachers and school community.
What can parents and carers do?
- Parents can help students to understand different perspectives and emotions, fostering empathy towards others.
- Reinforce the importance of being kind, helpful, and considerate towards everyone, regardless of differences.
From the School Handbook
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
In order for the school to ensure that all staff and volunteers have the necessary WWCC, all parents who wish to volunteer are asked to ensure that they have the appropriate clearance in order to remain as a volunteer within the school. Once the WWCC is completed the school maintains a register of parents who are able to volunteer within the school. This includes classroom assistance, excursions, camps, canteen, Library assistance and general helping about the school.
Further information about the Working With Children Check can be found on the CEDoW website. Follow this link to the website.
P&F cordially invites all parents to assist in planning our Christmas Carols event on Monday, November 27th in the school library commencing at 7pm.
If you have anything you would like to add to the agenda for the evening please email: gsfmpandf@dow.catholic.edu.au
Diary Dates & Reminders for the week ahead:
|
DATE: |
REMINDER: |
|
Friday 17 November |
2:10pm: School Assembly - All Welcome |
|
Saturday 18 November |
THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Well done, good and faithful servant! We all have unique gifts and talents. When we use them well, we enrich our community. We bring joy to ourselves and to others. Let us encourage each other to develop our gifts. Then, together, we will hear the Master say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servants. Come and join in my happiness forever.’ |
|
Sunday 19 November |
|
|
Wednesday 22 November |
Year 5 Student Leadership 2024 speeches |
Mark your Calenders!
|
DECEMBER |
|
|
|
Tuesday |
5 December |
Yr 6 Jamberoo Day Out |
|
Wednesday |
6 December |
School Christmas Concert |
|
Thursday |
14 December |
|
|
Friday |
15 December |
|